Senior Research Engineer, Research & Early Development

Roche; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to advance hardware for next‑generation DNA sequencing systems. The role covers fabrication, assembly and testing of custom devices, fixtures, breadboards and prototypes onsite in Santa Clara, CA.

You will design and prototype components, optimize workflows, and work with multidisciplinary teams to push technology forward in a fast-paced R&D environment. A Ph.D. and several years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering or closely related discipline required.
• 2–5 years of relevant research and early development experience in life sciences.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate parts and devices using CNC, laser cutting, 3D printing and prototyping tools.
• Assemble, test, characterize, and troubleshoot complex fluidic and electromechanical systems.
• Optimize workflows, protocols and assays; collect and interpret data to drive progress.
• Operate, repair and maintain lab equipment including custom breadboards and fixtures.
• Use metrology tools to characterize parts and evaluate manufacturing methods.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on projects.

Skills

Hardware design

Troubleshooting

Bioengineering knowledge

Lab instrumentation

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Bioengineering

Tools

SolidWorks

qPCR

dPCR

Bioanalyzer

Qubit

NanoDrop

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

Roche is working to make next-generation sequencing simple and accessible enough for routine use. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing, resulting in a sample in, result out workflow.

Our Systems Technology Group, part of Roche Sequencing Solutions, is focused on creating and advancing technologies to significantly enhance DNA sequencing workflows. We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-oriented Senior Research Engineer to join the effort. In this role, you will tackle a variety of tasks and projects that will help us advance our technology and hardware related to our next-generation DNA sequencing systems.

Your efforts will cover many aspects related to the fabrication, assembly and testing of custom devices, fixtures, breadboards and prototypes.

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Designing and fabricating parts and devices using CNC machining, laser cutting, 3D printing and other shop and prototyping tools
• Assembling, testing, characterizing, and troubleshooting complex fluidic and electromechanical systems and devices.
• Optimizing workflows, protocols, and assays, while collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive technical progress
• Operating, repairing and maintaining various lab equipment and instruments, including custom systems such as breadboards and fixtures
• Utilizing various types of metrology instruments to characterize parts and evaluate manufacturing methods
• Collaborating with other scientists and engineers

A cover letter is required for this application.

Who You Are

(Required)

• You have a Ph.D. in Bioengineering or a closely related discipline
• You have 2-5 years of relevant research and early development experience in the life science industry

Core Technical Experience

• You have a demonstrated success in designing, modeling, building, operating, and troubleshooting hardware, fixtures, and breadboards integrated with fluidic, pneumatic, thermal, and optical subsystems
• You have a demonstrated level of proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for detailed design and the creation of manufacturing drawings
• You have strong creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex hardware, software, and chemistry interfaces.
• You have demonstrated hands- on experience with DNA sequencing or other molecular biology-based workflows (nucleic acid extraction methodologies and purification techniques, library preparation, and target enrichment).
• You have a demonstrated level of proficiency in operating and interpreting data from bioanalytical instruments, including qPCR, dPCR, Bioanalyzer/TapeStation, Qubit Fluorometer, and NanoDrop UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
• You have demonstrated a strong grasp of engineering and chemistry fundamentals

Preferred Qualifications

• You have a solid publication record, including at least one first-authored publication
• You have a level of technical skills paired with strong organizational, communication, and writing capabilities
• You have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-experts and thrive in ambiguous environments
• You have excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects efficiently
• You exhibit a high degree of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and scientific curiosity applied to solving integration challenges and optimizing system performance in an R&D environment
• You have demonstrated a strong desire to learn, be challenged, and proactively challenge the status quo

This position is based onsite in Santa Clara, CA. This is not a hybrid position.

Relocation benefits are not available for this job position.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location Santa Clara, CA is $87,500 - $162,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.

This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

#NMK62026DIA

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100'000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination based upon an individual's race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, mental/physical disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.